Some years ago, "The Magazine Antiques" produced an article about Gorham's fabled 1880s "Narragansett" design silver. An opulent line, it featured a variety of sea forms reflecting (and reputedly molded directly from in some instance) sea flora and fauna found in Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay and nearby coastland.

That article spawned (pun intended) an intensified interest in this already enchanted, and immensely costly, pattern. It also prompted the assignment of the label "Narragansett...

A late 19th century pattern, Durgin's "Empire" incorporates imagery reflective of majesty, nobility, and imperial realms. This includes a dominant crown. cornucopia, a torch and flame, a wreath, and festoons of ribbons and flowers.

This example is an unusual form server that measures 9 1/2" long and weighs a relatively heavy 2.9 T. oz.

It has a flat blade, with a rounded edge. The upper edge is scalloped and decorated with pattern elements. There is a slightly upraised area at the end...